We have the talent to win gold, says Aussie Motum

KAUNAS (2016 Rio Olympics) - When Brock Motum looks at the players who could play for Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympics, he sees no reason why the Boomers shouldn't be standing atop the podium come 21 August. 

Even though Australia will be making their 12th straight appearance at the Olympics, they have never taken a medal, with their best results being a trio of fourth-place finishes (1988, 1996 and 2000).

The 25-year-old Motum plans on changing Boomers' history in Rio de Janeiro. 

The goal is to win the gold medal. The talent we have, I think, on paper can match up with any other team. - Motum

"It will come down to how we play and Australian tendency is to play hard. So with the talent and the hard work, I think the sky’s the limit," said the 2.08m forward who is hoping to playing his second senior global tournament this tournament, following the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. 

Brock Motum (AUS) at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup

The Olympics may still be about seven months away, but the Zalgiris Kaunas big man is already looking forward to the Games.

"It's exciting. It's a big opportunity, especially for Australian basketball to take a big step forward on the international stage. We have some great talent coming through in the NBA and some out here in Europe and even back home. So it's exciting to think about."

While 18 countries will be learning their road to Rio next week with the draw to the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, Australia are one of nine nations to have already locked up spots at the Games.

"We took care of business last year in the Oceania qualification so that's a huge relief. So now we have to keep working to achieve our goal in the Olympics," he added.

It's every kid's dream. To represent my country at the highest level would be a tremendous honour and great opportunity to do something that no other Australian basketball team has done yet. - Motum 

The next thing for Motum and Australia is to wait for the draw for the Olympics. Then the Boomers can evaluate their opponents and what they need to do. 

"Once we understand our group we go one game at a time," he explained. "You can't look at the big picture until you take care of the steps. The biggest thing is to put in work now and hopefully the results will come."

FIBA